Marshawn Lloyd as Chris Brooks takes lead Packers backup role
marshawn lloyd is not the issue in Green Bay’s backfield plan this week; Chris Brooks is. The Packers opened OTAs with Brooks expected to handle the No. 2 running back job behind Josh Jacobs, a role that became more important after Emanuel Wilson left in free agency.
Chris Brooks and Josh Jacobs
Jacobs is the clear lead back, but the Packers are asking a lot from the players behind him. He had 67 fewer touches in 2025 than in 2024 because of a knee injury, and Green Bay is now leaning on a depth chart built around returning players rather than a veteran addition or a draft pick.
Brooks has a case for the job. In two seasons with the Packers, he has shown himself to be a physical pass protector with signs of being a physical runner, and his career line includes 82 carries, 24 catches and 106 career touches across one season with the Dolphins and two with Green Bay.
Adam Stenavich on Brooks
Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich made the case in plain terms: “Chris runs hard. I like how he runs,” and “He runs with a great mindset, and he’s ready.” He added, “The one thing about him is he can wear all the different hats that you need to with playing running back.”
Stenavich also pointed to the parts of the job that matter most behind Jacobs. “He can protect, he can run the ball,” he said, before adding, “He does a really nice job when we play with two tailbacks in there – him blocking, him carrying the ball.”
Emanuel Wilson's departure
Wilson’s exit changed the shape of the room. He developed into a competent back who could get the hard yards and keep the offense ahead of the sticks, then signed with the Seahawks in free agency, leaving Green Bay to replace a useful role rather than simply add depth.
The usage gap shows why Brooks’ workload will be watched closely. He had 34 fewer touches than Wilson last season, and 13 of his 27 carries came in Week 18, so the Packers are still deciding whether his role can expand beyond spot duty into something sustained. For now, OTAs give Brooks the first chance to prove that Green Bay can trust him as the main backup if Jacobs needs more help again.
